Yellowjackets upset #16 Pioneers
February 16, 2008
UW-Superior upset 16th-ranked UW-Platteville 70-59 Saturday in Superior, handing the Pioneers consecutive losses for the first time this season.
The Pioneers slipped to 17-6 overall and 10-4 in the WIAC, while the hot-shooting Yellowjackets improved to 9-14, 5-10.
UWS made 52.9 percent of its shots, compared to just 36.7 for the Pioneers, who came into the game ranked sixth nationally in field-goal percentage.
The Yellowjackets held UWP to 7-25 from the floor in the first half and led 29-27. Shane Manor's layup eight and a half minutes into the second half gave UWS a 10-point margin at 46-36, forcing the Pioneers to play from behind.
The Pioneers cut the lead to four twice in the final 4:10. Nick Allen's inside shot made the count 58-54 with 2:42 remaining, but Jake Smith answered with a layup at 1:59 and two free throws 19 seconds later for a 62-54 advantage. The Pioneers came no closer.
Smith led all scoers with 23 points, while Dwight Hill added 19. The Yellowjacket duo combined to make 17-27 (63 percent).
Curt Hanson and Jeff Skemp tied for Pioneer scoring honors with 14 points apiece, while Mike Shaw came off the bench for nine. Charlie Lohoff had six points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Pioneers are home twice to end the regular season, playing UW-Eau Claire Wednesday at 7 p.m. and UW-Stevens Point Saturday at 5 p.m. The Pioneers will be home to start the WIAC playoffs Monday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. against an opponent to be determined.
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